Renowned Social Entrepreneur Dr. Arun Kumar Praharaj met the Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Mr. V. Muraleedharan during his visit to Bahrain and urged him to take steps to ensure protection of migrant Indian workers living in Bahrain. The meeting was attended by Ambassador to Bahrain HE Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Gulf) H.E. Mr. Vipul other embassy officials and a few community leaders.
During his interaction with the Minister Dr. Praharaj also drew his attention towards the Bahrain Odia Samaj founded by him during 1997, 24 years ago with only six families and today the organisation has 178 families and more than 2,000 migrant workers in labour camps. Under the aegis of the Indian Embassy, the Bahrain Odia Samaj celebrates all major festivals to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and participates in all community events and social welfare measures for the migrant workers.
In addition, Dr. Praharaj emphasised the need for compulsory registration of foreign employment contract of all migrant workers with their respective Indian embassies to protect their legitimate rights lawfully from unscrupulous employers which is presently applicable only for maid servants. Considering the recent deaths of the migrant workers due to medical conditions he urged to appoint a health adviser or health secretary in each embassy who can coordinate life saving measures with the local health authorities during special circumstances or medical emergencies.
As a token of appreciation for the sincere efforts of the Minister Of State for External Affairs of India Dr. Praharaj felicitated him with a Made-in-Odisha Konark Chakra made with silver filigree art work of Cuttack which was deeply appreciated by the Minister.
After the interactive session, there was a reception party for the minister at the Gulf Hotel where many esteemed Bahraini Ministers namely Mr. Ebrahim Mohammed Al Meslimani, Minister of Consular Services, Foreign Affairs department , H.E. Mr. Ebrahim Ahmed Isa Al-Hejazi, Minister of Citizens and Resident affairs, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Al Haiki, Under Secretary of Labour and Social Welfare were present along with Indian Community leaders.
